Volume 1 | Issue 2 | Sarah Lindegren
From the Scoutmaster
Reciting the Scout Law is one of the most important parts of our meeting every week. Each one of us – Scouts and Scouters – use these words as a plumb line for how we act each and every day.
This month, we’re focusing on the very core. A Scout is Kind. The weather warms up. The uniforms relax a little and the Scouts let their hair down. Truthfully, we all become a little bit feral during the summer months! It’s a good time to remember that, in our games and activities, everyone gets a fair shake, a turn to play the game, and a chance to throw the frisbee. Remind each other to take a deep breath – breathe in that fresh summer camp air – and give those that drive you bonkers a second chance. The return on your kindness might just surprise you.
Summer Uniforms
It’s SUMMERTIME! With the warmer months comes a change in our weekly uniform requirements. Here’s what we expect to see when we say “Wear your Class B or Activity Uniform.”
- Any Troop 111 or relevant BSA t-shirt, free of rips or holes
- Green scout pants or shorts
- Scout belt
- Green scout socks
- Scout hat
- Closed-toed sturdy shoes
- Scouts BSA handbook
At this moment in time, every Scout should be in possession of at least one BSA t-shirt suitable for meetings. Field Uniforms (or Class A’s) are still required for Courts of Honor and Boards of Review.
In addition, the Troop’s youth leadership asked Scout’s to vote on their current favorite design for the next round of t-shirt orders. Check out the SPL’s latest email to see which shirts we’ll be sporting for summer camp.
Safety Moment
With temperatures rising, Scout activities move outside nearly FULL TIME!
Please make sure your Scout understands the importance of hydration. When we meet at the church, the water fountain is suspect and unable to handle the hydration needs of a full troop of hot, sweaty scouts. Bring a full water bottle (full of water, not sugary substances) to every meeting and make sure your name is on it, so it can be returned to you when you accidentally leave it behind (because you will at least once).
Plan Ahead and Prepare
It’s time to get ready for SUMMER CAMP!
Packing for summer camp can be a complex and challenging experience for the newer scouts. Fortunately, we’re here to help!
Due to the nature of summer camp tents and the amount of gear everyone brings with them, the Troop recommends each Scout bring one large plastic footlocker packed with all the Scout’s gear. These footlockers can be purchased for $30 at Walmart and can also a great way for a Scout to store their gear between campouts. Make sure to label clothing and gear you’d like to come home with your Scout.
Please, PLEASE look at the summer camp packing list now and purchase any needed gear. Everyone on the planet with children is doing the same, so supplies are limited. Fill out our handy online summer camp packing list.
Cellphone Policy
If you’re around other scout units in our area, you’ll notice one significant difference between Troop 111 and others – no cellphones. With much conversation and agreement of the youth leadership, the Troop continues to support a policy of no phones during meetings and campouts. Scouts are welcome to leave their phones in adult vehicles on weekend outings.
Our summer camp policy is no different. We maintain a container with all phones in it for emergency use. Summer camp is a great opportunity for scouts to unplug. Should they need a diversion, encourage them to bring a book or a deck of cards to fill their free time.
Looking for a way to get involved?
The troop can’t function without the efforts of involved adults. If you’re looking to jump in, consider these areas as a starting place:
- Court of Honor coordinator
- Troop Committee Secretary
- Fundraising
Contact the Troop Committee Chair for more information.
A Final Word
“A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.”
Robert Baden-Powell
The Founder of the Scouting Movement hits the nail right on the head here and Troop 111 takes it to heart. The youth we see in camp and on the trail are different. As they unplug from life at home, the experiences they uncover at camp change them and shape them in ways that will surprise you. Will it always be easy? No, but as Jimmy Dugan says: “It’s the hard that makes it good.”